New boss at Zodiak’s The Foundation as founder departs

The Foundation has appointed Gwen Hughes as its new boss after co-founder Vanessa Hill announced her departure from the Zodiak Media-owned kids producer.

Hill is leaving to join Jacabo, the company formed by The Foundation’s co-founder, Ged Allen after he left the Zodiak company last year. She will retain a connection with The Foundation and work on preschool shows including its big new launch Zack and Quack, which has been picked up by Nickelodeon.

Hill has worked on numerous hit kids series including Finger Tips, Waybuloo and Mister Maker.

Gwen Hughes has been elevated from head of production to managing director. She assumes the new role from start-September and will report to Foundation’s CEO and chairman, and Zodiak Kids boss, Nigel Pickard.

He said: “I am delighted to promote Gwen to managing director of The Foundation. She has a wealth of production experience, an excellent relationship with all our broadcast clients and is hugely respected and liked by everyone she works with.

Zodiak acquired The Foundation in 2006.